If you find yourself in an investigation, it may be difficult to understand what is going on, who knows about the details of the investigation, and what role they play in the process. Below provides some insight into the different roles we may have involved in an investigation.
Title IX Coordinator
The Title IX Coordinator for Hesston College oversees this policy as well as the reporting, investigation, and response process to any report. This position is currently housed within the Business Office. The current Title IX Coordinator is Whitney Douglas, Smith Center, 301 S Main, Hesston, KS 67062; whitney.douglas@hesston.edu; and 620-327-8342.
Investigators Responsibilities
The investigator assigned to investigate a formal complaint will be tasked with completing the investigation process from the creation of the investigation plan through the writing of an investigation report. The investigator will not be responsible for determining whether the policy was violated or what action should occur as a result of the investigation. He/she will be available to answer clarifying questions about the investigation to the hearing panel.
Panel Review Responsibilities
The panel will consist of three (3) staff and faculty members. The panel will be trained on Title IX, Hesston College’s policy and procedures as it relates to sexual misconduct, and are tasked with analyzing the investigation, asking clarifying questions, and making a determination of policy violation. If a determination is made that the policy was violated, the panel will also determine action from the findings.
The panel will be responsible for making these decisions based on majority vote. No panel member is permitted to abstain. The results of the panel discussion will be provided to the Title IX Coordinator and communicated in writing to the reporter and responding part through the determination letter.
Policy Violation Action
In the case of a policy violation, the recommended action should take into account the facts and circumstances of the specific investigation, as well as any mitigating factors about the responding party, to include their prior disciplinary history, the nature and seriousness of the offense, and the effect on the reporter as well as the campus community. The recommended action must be in line with action taken in other student misconduct situations. Some potential actions include:
Student
- Probation
- Loss of privileges
- Services hours
- Parental Notification
- Alcohol and/or drug assessment and counseling
- Fines
- Required counseling
- Required training
- Residence hall relocation, suspension, or expulsion
- Limited or no access to specific campus buildings
- No contact order
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Warning
- Withholding diploma
- Revocation of degree
- Removal from campus and disbarment from future participation in any activities sponsored by Hesston College, in which Hesston College participates, or on Hesston College property.
- Discretionary sanctions
Faculty/Staff
Faculty or Staff found in violation of this policy may receive disciplinary action up to and including separation per our performance management policy.
- Limited or no access to specific campus buildings
- Required counseling
- Required training
- No contact order
- Warning – Verbal or Written
- Probation
- Paid or Unpaid Leave
- Suspension
- Separation of employment
- Loss of privileges
- Reduction in pay/loss of annual increase
- Loss of supervisory or oversight responsibilities
- Removal from campus and disbarment from future participation in any activities sponsored by Hesston College, in which Hesston College participates, or on Hesston College property.
- Discretionary sanctions
The above actions will be reviewed periodically for effectiveness and may have additions and removals as warranted per the situation.